Accused Killer’s Bond Hearing Stalled Pending Psych Evaluation

Brandon Theesfeld’s attorneys withdrew a request for bond pending a psych evaluation from the state hospital. Photo by Talbert Toole.

The man accused of murdering Ole Miss student Alexandria “Ally” M. Kostial in July is being sent for a psychological examination.

On Thursday, Brandon Theesfeld, 22, appeared in the Lafayette County Circuit Court with his attorney Tony Farese for a scheduled bond hearing. However, Farese told Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth he had an announcement for the court.

“After obtaining some new information … we are withdrawing our request for a bond hearing at this time,” Farese told Howorth. “We are also making a request for a psychiatric evaluation. We consulted with the District Attorney and they are in agreement and the defendant will be examined by the state hospital.”

Howorth told prosecutors and defense attorneys to write up the order and submit it to the court.

“Since it’s agreed upon there’s no further discussion on that required and he’ll be sent to the state hospital for psychological evaluation whenever there is space available which is, as you all know, sometimes a tricky proposition,” Howorth said.

Farese would not comment on what the “new information” was after the hearing. The case is expected to go before the grand jury next week.

Alexandria M. Kostial was found dead on July 20 in Harmontown.Photo via Facebook

Kostial was found dead on July 20 by a Lafayette County Sheriff’s deputy in Harmontown. She died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lafayette County Coroner Rocky Kennedy.

Three days later, Theesfeld was arrested and charged with Kostial’s murder. His initial first-appearance bond hearing was postponed to give defense attorneys and state prosecutors time to prepare for Thursday’s hearing.

A motive for the killing has not yet been released by investigators. According to friends, the two had known each other for several years.

After the court hearing, about 10 friends of Kostial lined up in front of the courthouse while holding signs with messages that included, “Today is for Ally, Not Br*nd*n,” and “Today is for Ally,” written in bright pink paint.

“We’re just all here to support her and her family,” said friend Jordan Hull. “We wanted to make this day about Ally.”

Theesfeld was a student in the School of Business Administration and has been suspended from the university. Kostial was working toward a bachelor’s degree in marketing in the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi.